A shape-preserving flow regime observation device

Abstract

The present application provides a shape-preserving flow state observation device, which integrates optical material into a shape-preserving optical pipeline, so that the inner surface thereof becomes a shape-preserving flow channel while playing a certain optical role, and cooperates with a modulated optical element to realize the optical function of observing the flow state of the fluid in the flow channel. The present application solves the problems of the damage to the shape of the flow channel and the difficulty in sealing caused by the need to embed an optical side window in the existing shape-preserving flow state observation device through an integrated structure, and also eliminates the problem of uneven deformation of the device in the process of temperature and pressure changes, which is caused by the material difference caused by embedding and leads to performance degradation. Furthermore, the stress isolation and pressure regulation further reduce the deformation and displacement of the optical element, and the fine adjustment mechanism improves the ability of the entire device to adapt to the processing error and harsh working environment, realizing smaller error introduction, wider application range and higher working stability compared with the existing shape-preserving flow state observation device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of conformal fluid observation devices, and in particular relates to a conformal flow state observation device. Background Art

[0002] In order to make the fluid present a specific flow state, it is often necessary to design the flow channel specifically. At the same time, the flow state of the fluid in the flow channel can also reflect the design results of the flow channel. However, in order to understand the flow state of the fluid in the flow channel, it must be observed. Optical observation methods can more comprehensively evaluate the flow state of the fluid. The optical observation method usually connects the observation device in the middle of the measured flow channel, making it a part of the measured flow channel. When the fluid passes through the front section of the flow channel and flows through the observation device, it can be observed. It has high operability, so this method is widely used. The optical observation method often shoots a light beam into the optical side window so that it carries the flow state information of the fluid and then is emitted and received by the instrument for analysis. The conformal flow observation device can observe the fluid without destroying the flow channel morphology. Compared with the optical observation device that destroys the flow channel to adapt to the shape of the optical element, it can measure the actual state of the fluid more realistically and accurately. At the same time, as for existing conformal observation devices, most of them use embedded optical side windows to achieve observation functions. Although the inner surface of the optical side window can be machined to a very high precision to achieve flow path conformal, the installation space for the optical side window is closed due to the embedding, making it difficult to machine it to a high precision. At the same time, for ease of installation, the installation space is also slightly larger than the outer dimensions of the optical side window. This will inevitably cause gaps and local unevenness between the embedded optical side window and its installation space, thereby disrupting the flow path shape and introducing errors during observation. At the same time, the existence of gaps between the optical side window and its own installation space can also cause leakage problems during fluid flow. The sealing measures may fail under conditions such as high and low temperature of the fluid or excessive pressure differentials. The sealing process can also easily affect the positional accuracy of the optical side window. At the same time, due to the different materials of the optical side window and the bracket it is mounted on, the embedded optical side window is designed to fit as tightly as possible with the mounting hardware to eliminate gaps. This can cause thermal stress during temperature changes due to the difference in thermal deformation between the two. This can even lead to damage or positioning failure of the optical side window due to the excessive difference in thermal deformation. The installation process is also prone to introducing installation stress, which in turn affects the surface shape and positional accuracy of the optical side window, ultimately introducing observation errors. When observing high-speed or specific fluids, a significant pressure differential may be generated inside and outside the flow channel. Due to differences in structure and material properties, stress concentration is easily generated in traditional embedded optical side windows, causing uncontrollable deformation of the traditional optical side window, further introducing observation errors. At the same time, because the existing conformal observation device concentrates all the modulation effects of the optical path on the embedded optical side window, in order to eliminate gaps as much as possible and seal it, the embedded optical side window can only be installed in its installation space at one time and cannot be adjusted in position. This not only reduces the tolerance of the traditional device to component processing errors, but also makes it impossible to adjust the position of the optical component in a timely manner according to the actual impact of the working conditions on the optical-mechanical system during operation, thereby weakening its adaptability to the environment.Therefore, the above problems limit the application of existing conformal flow observation devices and become an important obstacle on the road to the development of high-performance flow channels. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In order to specifically overcome the problems of existing flow conformal observation devices, such as damage to the flow channel morphology, difficulty in sealing, easy installation and thermal stress, deformation of the optical side window due to pressure difference, and unadjustable position of the optical side window, the present invention proposes a new conformal flow observation device that is integrated and fully conformal, does not require flow channel sealing, has stress isolation function, has consistent flow channel material, uniform thermal deformation, can be pressure-regulated, and has adjustable optical element position.

[0004] The present invention is achieved by adopting the following technical solutions:

[0005] A conformal flow observation device, characterized in that it includes components such as a conformal optical pipeline, a modulation optical element, and an adapter;

[0006] The conformal optical conduit is integrally processed from optical materials and has optical effects. Its inner surface constitutes a conformal flow channel, that is, the conformal optical conduit not only serves as a conformal structural component but also as a lens participating in the imaging of the optical system.

[0007] The modulating optical element is located outside the conformal optical conduit and cooperates with the conformal optical conduit to form an optical device capable of observing the flow state of the fluid. Since the internal and external shapes of the conformal optical conduit are primarily designed to maintain conformal shape and to meet the installation requirements of other components, which weakens the optical function, the modulating optical element is required to optically modulate the system to achieve the optical performance required for observation. Conversely, the presence of the modulating optical element can also weaken the requirements for the optical function of the conformal optical conduit, making the shape and material selection of the conformal optical conduit more conducive to processing, thereby reducing the processing difficulty of the conformal optical conduit.

[0008] The adapter can connect the entire conformal flow observation device to the external pipeline. Generally speaking, the conformal flow observation device is installed in the middle of the entire pipeline and becomes a part of the pipeline to be measured. Therefore, it needs to be connected to the external pipeline through the adapter through its own flange and other structures.

[0009] Furthermore, an optical bracket is included, and the modulating optical element is installed in the optical bracket. The optical bracket enables the modulating optical element and optical elements such as the conformal optical pipe to maintain the correct relative position. Except for a few cases where the modulating optical element can be directly installed on the conformal optical pipe, that is, glued, most of the time, the modulating optical element needs to be installed through the optical bracket to achieve the purpose of positioning, fixing and position adjustment.

[0010] Furthermore, the optical bracket has a glue injection hole and a glue injection space, the glue injection hole is communicated with the glue injection space, and the glue injection space can be used to fix the optical bracket after glue injection, and can also play a sealing role; according to actual conditions such as installation positioning, the optical bracket can be an integrated structure or a split structure.

[0011] Furthermore, the optical bracket is provided with a fine-tuning mechanism for adjusting the position of the optical bracket itself and the position of the modulating optical element, so as to obtain good optical performance during the device assembly and use.

[0012] Furthermore, the conformal optical conduit is not directly mechanically connected to other components, such as bolt connections or other connections with large local stress, so as to minimize the stress deformation of the conformal optical conduit during installation and operation.

[0013] Furthermore, the adapter itself or the optical bracket itself or the adapter and the optical bracket together form an installation space adapted to the shape of the conformal optical conduit, for installing and constraining the conformal optical conduit.

[0014] Furthermore, the modulating optical element is not in direct contact with the conformal optical conduit, thereby avoiding the transfer of temperature and deformation, thereby maintaining the shape and position accuracy of the modulating optical element, and also preventing the modulating optical element from affecting the free deformation of the conformal optical conduit.

[0015] Furthermore, the conformal optical tube is provided with a stress relief structure or a gasket, or both, at the location where it is constrained by other elements. The gasket is made of a relatively soft material or is capable of generating a thermal stress relief effect with the conformal optical tube and other elements constraining the conformal optical tube, or has both of the above properties. The stress relief structure and the gasket can reduce the negative effects of pressure, temperature, etc. on the conformal optical tube during installation and operation, thereby ensuring the performance stability of the entire observation device.

[0016] Furthermore, seals are provided on the adapter and the optical bracket and other components, so that the installation space where the conformal optical tube is located has a sealed property. The pressure of the installation space where the conformal optical tube is located can be regulated by a pressure regulating device, thereby balancing the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the conformal optical tube caused by high-speed flow or specific flow state of the fluid in the flow channel, thereby avoiding deformation of the conformal optical tube due to the pressure difference. The seals can also be used to prevent leakage of internal fluid when the entire conformal flow observation device is connected to the outside world.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0018] A conformal flow observation device is disclosed. The device integrates optical materials into a conformal optical conduit, allowing the inner surface to function as a conformal flow channel while also performing a portion of optical functions. The device also cooperates with modulating optical elements to achieve the optical function of observing the flow state of the fluid within the flow channel. The present invention, through its integrated structure, solves the problems of existing conformal observation devices, such as damage to the flow channel shape and difficulty in sealing, caused by the need for embedded optical side windows. It also eliminates the problem of material differences caused by embedded side windows causing the device to degrade in performance during temperature and pressure changes. Furthermore, the device significantly reduces the installation stress and processing difficulty of the conformal optical conduit through cavity constraints and the absence of direct mechanical connections. Furthermore, the pressure regulation function eliminates deformation of the conformal optical conduit caused by pressure differentials. The fine-tuning mechanism further improves the device's ability to adapt to processing errors and harsh working environments. Ultimately, compared to existing conformal flow observation devices, the device achieves smaller error introduction, a wider range of applicability, and higher operating stability, providing a strong testing guarantee for the design of high-performance flow channels. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Figure 1 It is a schematic cross-sectional view of the overall structure of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention when the optical bracket is an integrated structure;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the integrated optical bracket of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 4 It is a schematic structural diagram of the adapter of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the conformal optical element structure of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention when the optical bracket is a split structure;

[0025] Figure 7 Schematic diagram of the structure of the split optical bracket in the present invention;

[0026] Figure 8 It is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention when the optical bracket is connected to the adapter;

[0027] Figure 9 It is a schematic cross-sectional view of the overall structure of the present invention when the optical bracket is connected to the adapter;

[0028] Figure 10 Schematic diagram of the adapter structure when the optical bracket and the adapter are connected in the present invention;

[0029] Figure 11Schematic diagram of the optical bracket structure when the optical bracket is connected to the adapter in the present invention;

[0030] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention when the outer surface of the conformal optical pipe is flat;

[0031] Figure 13 A schematic cross-sectional view of the overall structure of the present invention when the outer surface of the conformal optical pipe is flat;

[0032] Figure 14 Schematic diagram of the structure of the optical bracket when the outer surface of the conformal optical pipe is a plane in the present invention;

[0033] Figure 15 This is a schematic structural diagram of the conformal optical tube in the present invention when its outer surface is flat.

[0034] Legend: 1: Adapter, 2: Glue injection hole, 3: Optical bracket, 4: Fastener, 5: Flow channel, 6: Seal, 7: Conformal optical tube, 8: Modulation optical element, 9: Mirror chamber, 10: Glue injection space, 11: Fixing protrusion, 12: Gasket, 13: Stress relief structure, 14: Pressure regulator; 15: Fine-tuning mechanism.

[0035] The purpose, features and advantages of the present invention will be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings and in conjunction with the embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] The following will clearly and completely describe the technical solution of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of the present invention. Obviously, the description is only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0037] It should be noted that all directional indications (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) in the embodiments of the present invention are only used to explain the relative position relationship, movement status, etc. between the various components under a certain specific posture (as shown in the accompanying drawings). If the specific posture changes, the directional indication will also change accordingly.

[0038] In addition, the terms "first," "second," and so on, used in this disclosure are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of the technical features being referenced. Thus, a feature specified as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one such feature. In the description of this disclosure, "plurality" means at least two, such as two or three, unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0039] In the present invention, unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms "connection" and "fixation" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, "fixation" can mean fixed connection, detachable connection, or integration; it can mean mechanical connection, electrical connection, physical connection, or wireless communication connection; it can mean direct connection or indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can mean internal communication between two elements or interaction between two elements, unless otherwise specified. For those skilled in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0040] In addition, the technical solutions between the various embodiments of the present invention can be combined with each other, but it must be based on the fact that ordinary technicians in this field can implement it. When the combination of technical solutions is mutually contradictory or cannot be implemented, it should be deemed that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection required by the present invention.

[0041] As attached Figure 1-15 As shown, in order to clearly illustrate the principles and working process of the present invention, this embodiment provides a relatively typical implementation scheme, but the following case cannot represent all the solutions of the present invention.

[0042] As attached Figure 1-15 The conformal flow observation device shown in FIG. 1 includes conformal optical pipe 7, modulation optical element 8, adapter 1 and other components. Figure 5 and Figure 15 As shown, the conformal optical conduit 7 is integrally processed from optical materials and can play a certain optical role. Its inner surface constitutes a conformal flow channel 5, that is, the conformal optical conduit 7 not only serves as a conformal structural component but also participates in the imaging of the optical system as a lens. The selection of optical materials needs to be combined with actual conditions such as the properties of the fluid and processing requirements.

[0043] The modulating optical element 8 is located outside the conformal optical tube 7. It forms a complete observation system with the conformal optical tube 7 and cooperates with relevant optical equipment to observe the flow state of the fluid in the conformal flow channel 5. Since the shape design of the conformal optical tube 7 mainly considers the conformal shape and the installation requirements of other components, which weakens the optical function, the modulating optical element 8 is required to optically modulate the system to achieve the optical performance required for observation; conversely, the presence of the modulating optical element 8 can also weaken or even ignore the requirements for the optical performance of the conformal optical tube 7, making its shape and material selection more flexible, thereby reducing the processing difficulty of the conformal optical tube and improving its adaptability to working conditions.

[0044] The adapter 1 can connect the entire conformal flow observation device to the external pipeline. Generally speaking, the conformal flow observation device is installed in the middle of the pipeline to be measured and becomes a part of the pipeline to be measured. Therefore, it needs to be connected to the external pipeline through the adapter 1 with the help of its own flange and other structures.

[0045] like Figure 1 、 Figure 9 as well as Figure 13 As shown, the modulating optical element 8 is mounted in the optical bracket 3. The optical bracket 3, through structures such as the mirror chamber 9, ensures that the modulating optical elements 8 maintain the correct relative positions with each other and with the conformal optical conduit 7. With the exception of a few cases where the modulating optical element 8 can be directly mounted on the conformal optical conduit 7, such as by directly gluing the modulating optical element 8 to the conformal optical conduit 7, most other cases require the optical bracket 3 to mount the modulating optical element 8 for positioning, fixing, and position adjustment.

[0046] The optical bracket 3 and the adapter 1 can be provided with glue injection holes 2 and glue injection spaces 10 as needed, and the glue injection holes 2 are connected to the glue injection spaces 10. Figure 14 and Figure 13 As shown, when the liquid glue enters the glue injection space 10 through the glue injection hole 2 and solidifies and stabilizes, it can be used to fix the optical bracket 3 and the adapter 1, and can also fix the modulating optical element 8, and can achieve a sealing effect through a relatively viscous glue; according to actual needs such as installation and positioning, the optical bracket 3 can be an integrated structure or a split structure, such as Figure 2 、 Figure 6 as well as Figure 12 As shown, the integrated optical bracket 3 allows the two mirror chambers 9 to be processed as one, so that the two groups of modulating optical elements 8 can obtain better relative position accuracy, while the split structure can make the installation of the optical bracket 3 more convenient and flexible.

[0047] According to the needs of observation device installation and resistance to negative environmental factors during use, the optical bracket 3 is provided with a fine adjustment mechanism 15 for adjusting the position of the optical bracket 3 itself relative to the conformal optical pipe 7 and the position of the modulating optical element 8. Figure 9 The fine-tuning screws shown are evenly distributed laterally and facing the modulating optical element 8. They can be used to adjust the radial position of the modulating optical element 8. For example, the threaded focusing mechanism can be used to move certain modulating optical elements 8 to better balance the aberrations, thereby adapting to the processing errors of the elements and completing the initial assembly and adjustment of the system. At the same time, the position of the optical elements can be adjusted in time during the operation of the device to resist the influence of deformation caused by changes in temperature and pressure, thereby stably obtaining good observation effects.

[0048] like Figure 1 and Figure 9As shown, the conformal optical conduit 7 is not directly mechanically connected to the optical bracket 3 and the adapter 1, such as bolt connections with high local stress, so as to minimize the deformation of the conformal optical conduit 7 during installation and operation. The adapter 1, by itself or together with the optical bracket 3, forms an installation space that is adapted to the shape of the conformal optical conduit 7, which is used to install and constrain the conformal optical conduit 7. The specific structure can be referred to Figure 1 、 Figure 9 as well as Figure 10 .in Figure 1 The structure shown is that the adapter 1 forms an installation space that is adapted to the shape of the conformal optical pipe 7 together with the optical bracket 3; Figure 9 and Figure 10 The adapter 1 forms an installation space that is adapted to the shape of the conformal optical tube 7 by itself. At this time, the optical bracket 3 is connected to the adapter 1 through its own fixing protrusion 11 and the fastener 4.

[0049] As shown in the cross-sectional views, the optical support 3 provides support for the modulation optical element 8 and the conformal optical conduit 7. Figure 9 The illustrated installation method of mounting the optical bracket 3 on the adapter 1 also prevents the optical bracket 3 from contacting the conformal optical conduit 7. The contact between the conformal optical conduit 7 and the adapter 1 can be considered flexible due to the presence of the gasket 12 or the seal 6, capable of absorbing a certain degree of deformation. This isolated conformal optical conduit 7 installation method prevents the temperature of the fluid being observed from being transferred to other components besides the conformal optical conduit 7, particularly the modulating optical element 8. It also isolates the conformal optical conduit 7 from deformation and displacement of the modulating optical element 8, thereby maintaining the shape and positional accuracy of the modulating optical element 8. Conversely, it also prevents the modulating optical element 8 and other components, such as the optical bracket 3, from interfering with the free deformation of the conformal optical conduit 7.

[0050] like Figure 10 As shown, the conformal optical conduit 7 is provided with a stress relief structure 13 or a gasket 12 at the location where it is constrained by the adapter 1. The stress relief structure 13 weakens the local rigidity and can adapt to dimensional errors and a certain degree of component deformation. The gasket 12 is made of a relatively soft material and can also play a similar role to the stress relief structure 13. The gasket 12 can generate thermal stress relief with the conformal optical conduit 7 and other components constraining the conformal optical conduit 7, for example Figure 9 and Figure 10Thermal stress relief is primarily achieved through the mutual compensation of radial thermal deformation among the conformal optical conduit 7, gasket 12, and adapter 1. Similar gaskets 12 or stress relief structures 13 can also be provided in the axial direction as needed. These stress relief structures 13 or gaskets 12 can also be used to isolate stress in both axial and radial directions when the device is installed with external pipes. The stress relief structures 13 and gaskets 12 can mitigate the negative effects of pressure, temperature, and other factors on the conformal optical conduit 7 during installation and operation, thereby ensuring the performance stability of the entire observation device.

[0051] like Figure 1 As shown, there is a seal 6 on the adapter 1 and the optical bracket 3, which is used to create a sealed space and realize the pressure regulation function of the installation space where the conformal optical tube 7 is located through the sealed space and the pressure regulation device 14. Figure 1 As shown, the conformal optical conduit 7 is installed in the installation space formed by the adapter 1, the optical bracket 3 and the modulating optical element 8. The space is sealed by the seals 6 installed at both ends of the conformal optical conduit 7, the connection between the adapter 1 and the optical bracket 3, and the mirror chamber 9. At the same time, the relevant components are fastened with the help of fasteners 4 to make the sealed space secure, and the pressure regulation of the sealed space is achieved by using the pressure regulating device 14 installed on the adapter 1, thereby balancing the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the conformal optical conduit 7 caused by the high-speed flow of the fluid in the flow channel 5 and other specific factors, so that the conformal optical conduit 7 does not deform due to the pressure difference. The pressure regulating device 14 shown in the figure can also be connected to an external compressor or other equipment as needed, and sealing can also be achieved by injection. At the same time, the seal 6 can also be used to prevent internal fluid leakage when the entire conformal flow observation device is connected to an external pipeline.

[0052] A typical working process of the entire conformal flow observation device is as follows: first, the conformal flow observation device proposed by the present invention is installed on the pipeline to be measured through the adapter 1, such as Figure 9 The observation device shown can be connected to the external pipeline and sealed through a flange, or Figure 13As shown, the conformal optical conduit 7 is directly connected to the external conduit and sealed. The latter can reduce the number of connections and seals, and at the same time reduce the possibility of leakage, it also improves the conformal ability of the entire conduit, and avoids the damage to the shape of the flow channel 5 caused by multiple connections at the connection point. The former connection method is more reliable and convenient. After the conformal flow observation device is installed, the light source, receiver and other equipment are set in place, and then the fluid to be measured is introduced into the conduit according to the working state, so that it flows through the conformal observation device. Because the conformal optical conduit 7 adopts an integrated structure, when the fluid flows through the conformal optical conduit 7, the original flow state of the fluid will not be changed due to the damage of the flow channel 5 as in the traditional embedded side window, and it can be achieved. The detection is closest to the actual situation, and there is no risk of fluid leakage in the conformal optical tube 7. After the fluid flow stabilizes, the light source and the receiving device are started, and the pressure regulating device 14 is started to make the pressure inside and outside the conformal optical tube 7 equal. For example, when the internal pressure of the flow channel 5 is lower than the external pressure due to the high-speed flow of the fluid, the actual pressure value in the flow channel 5 is measured by the sensor, and then part of the gas in the installation space where the conformal optical tube 7 is located is extracted through the pressure regulating device 14, and the actual pressure drop in the sealed installation space is detected with the help of a sensor integrated on the pressure regulating device 14 or installed separately, until it is equal to the pressure in the flow channel 5; finally, the fluid flow state is measured.

[0053] Because the light emitted from the modulating optical element 8 carries information about the fluid's flow state, the actual flow state of the fluid can be detected by receiving and analyzing the emitted light. One feasible optical observation solution is to design the optical system as an afocal system. That is, when no medium is flowing through the device, parallel light entering the optical system will also be emitted as parallel light. Therefore, when the measured fluid flows through the observation device and affects the propagation of light, the emitted light will carry information about the fluid's flow state. Through comparison, analysis, and calculation, the desired measurement results can be obtained.

[0054] During testing, when the conformal optical conduit 7 experiences thermal deformation due to high or low fluid temperatures, its integrated material structure ultimately achieves a uniform temperature distribution throughout, resulting in uniform thermal deformation without stress concentration. Furthermore, due to the differences in the materials of the conformal optical conduit 7, the optical support 3, and the adapter 1, the amount of thermal deformation will vary. However, these differences are offset by the stress relief provided by the stress relief structure 13 and the stress relief gasket 12. Furthermore, the modulating optical element 8 is mounted on the optical support 3, preventing direct contact with the conformal optical conduit 7. This reduces the transfer of temperature and deformation, thereby ensuring the shape and positional accuracy of each optical component, including the conformal optical conduit 7 and the modulating optical element 8.

[0055] It should be noted that the installation relationship between the optical bracket 3, the conformal optical conduit 7 and the adapter 1 can be flexibly arranged, and can be specifically arranged according to factors such as the shape, number and position of the modulating optical element 8, whether the conformal optical conduit 7 needs to be stress-isolated, whether the installation space where the conformal optical conduit 7 is located needs to be sealed to achieve pressure regulation, and whether the conformal optical conduit 7 needs to be structurally reinforced. The specific structural form of the optical bracket 3, the conformal optical conduit 7 and the adapter 1, as well as the usage status of the seal 6 and the stress relief structure 13, should also change accordingly. For details, please refer to Figures 1 to 15 The structure shown.

[0056] In summary, the present invention integrates optical materials into a conformal optical conduit 7, allowing its inner surface to function as a conformal flow channel 5 while also performing certain optical functions. The conduit, in conjunction with the modulating optical element 8, achieves the optical function of observing the flow state of the fluid within the flow channel 5. Furthermore, the conformal optical conduit 7 is not directly mechanically connected to any structural components, but rather is constrained within a cavity formed by the associated structural components. Pressure regulation of the environment surrounding the conformal optical conduit 7 is achieved through a sealed space and a pressure regulator 14. Through its integrated structure, the present invention addresses the issues of existing conformal observation devices, such as the destruction of the flow channel 5 shape and the difficulty of sealing gaps caused by the need for embedded optical components. It also eliminates the performance degradation of the device during temperature and pressure fluctuations caused by material differences due to embedded components. Furthermore, the cavity constraint and lack of direct mechanical connection significantly reduce the installation stress and processing difficulty of the conformal optical conduit 7. The pressure regulation function also eliminates deformation of the conformal optical conduit 7 caused by pressure differentials. The fine-tuning mechanism 15 further enhances the overall device's ability to adapt to processing errors and harsh operating environments. Furthermore, given the inherently difficult machining of the conformal optical conduit 7, which also requires optical measurement, the addition of a modulating optical element 8 mitigates its optical function, allowing for greater flexibility in its design and material selection, thereby enhancing its manufacturability. This not only reduces the device's development effort but also improves its performance. These innovations enable a device with reduced error, a wider range of applicability, and greater operational stability compared to existing conformal flow observation devices, providing robust testing support for the design of high-performance flow channels.

[0057] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. All technical solutions based on the concept of the present invention are within the scope of protection of the present invention. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, various improvements and modifications that do not depart from the principles of the present invention should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A conformal flow observation device, characterized in that: It includes a conformal optical pipe (7), a modulating optical element (8), and an adapter (1); The conformal optical pipe (7) is integrally processed from optical materials and has optical effects, and its inner surface forms a conformal flow channel (5); The modulating optical element (8) is located outside the conformal optical pipe (7), and can form an optical device capable of observing the flow state of the fluid by cooperating with the conformal optical pipe (7); The adapter (1) can connect the entire conformal flow observation device to an external pipeline; It also includes an optical bracket (3), wherein the modulating optical element (8) is mounted in the optical bracket (3), and the optical bracket (3) enables the modulating optical element (8) and the conformal optical pipe (7) and other optical elements to maintain correct relative positions; The invention also includes a pressure regulating device (14); the installation space where the conformal optical tube (7) and the modulating optical element (8) are located has a sealing property; and the pressure regulating device (14) can be used to regulate the pressure of the installation space where the conformal optical tube (7) and the modulating optical element (8) are located.

2. The conformal flow observation device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The optical bracket (3) is provided with a glue injection hole (2) and a glue injection space (10), and the glue injection hole (2) is communicated with the glue injection space (10); the optical bracket (3) can be an integrated structure or a split structure.

3. The conformal flow observation device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The optical bracket (3) is provided with a fine adjustment mechanism (15) for adjusting the position of the optical bracket (3) itself and the position of the modulating optical element (8).

4. The conformal flow observation device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The conformal optical conduit (7) has no direct mechanical connection with other components.

5. The conformal flow observation device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The adapter (1) itself or the optical bracket (3) itself or the adapter (1) and the optical bracket (3) together form an installation space adapted to the shape of the conformal optical tube (7) for installing and constraining the conformal optical tube (7).

6. The conformal flow observation device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The modulating optical element (8) is not in direct contact with the conformal optical conduit (7).

7. The conformal flow observation device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The conformal optical tube (7) is provided with a stress relief structure (13) or a gasket (12) or both at a location where the conformal optical tube (7) is constrained by other elements. The gasket (12) is made of a relatively soft material or is capable of generating a thermal stress relief effect with the conformal optical tube (7) and other elements constraining the conformal optical tube (7), or has both of the above properties.

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